Beiersdorf study shows licorice extract skin regimen can help rosacea sufferers

Lic A has long been a source of inspiration for the German manufacturer having studied its UV protecting properties​ and, just recently, announcing that its use in a skin care product can help protect against dermatitis flare-ups​.

In its latest research, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology​​, Beiersdorf paired the anti-irritant from the licorice plant with its own 4-t-butylcyclohexanol sensitivity regulator, SymSitive, to see how it could be used to treat rosacea patients.

The skin care regimen containing the ingredient complex took the form of a cleanser, a day care with SPF25, and a night care cream which was tested in female subjects with clinically determined subtype I rosacea; and was found to be highly compatible with the sensitive facial skin and effective in improving signs of rosacea.

Testing​

In the test, 32 test subjects with mild to moderate rosacea used the skin care regimen daily for 8 weeks and clinical assessment of erythema, subjective irritation and clinical photography were performed at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks.

Additionally, a quality-of-life questionnaire was filled out by the women at the start and the end, while there was also a questionnaire on the product properties during and after the experiment.

The results showed a very good tolerability of the regimen and a statistically significant improvement in clinical grading for erythema and tactile roughness at the mid-point and at after 8 weeks of application.

The Beiersdorf researchers say that a statistically significant improvement in facial redness was also seen, concluding that the regular use of skin care products containing LicA and 4-t-butylcylcohexanol in patients with rosacea thus helps to reduce the severity and positively influences the patient′s self-esteem.

Rosacea​

In rosacea patients, facial redness can cause embarrassment and impact self-esteem and sufferers often show facial sensitivity to cosmetics or skin care products that can influence the severity of symptoms and exacerbate erythema and inflammation.

Nevertheless, special skin care is necessary to address cosmetic concerns and reduce the potential side-effects of topical or oral treatment of the disease.

Appropriate skin care should comprise gentle cleansing, effective moisturisation, soothing actives, UV protection and concealing pigments to help neutralize the appearance of redness.

Lic A, extracted from the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata​, can decrease the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in vitro and reduce post-shave and UV-induced skin irritation in vivo.